davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16

JACOB AND AULY HILL, administra-
tors of Jacob Hill, deceased, will sell
the personal property of said deceased,
near Blackbird Station, on Tuesday,
March 22d.
OUR citizens who have dropped in
the confectionery store and ice cream
saloon of Stevenson & Peregoy note the
tasty arrangement and excellency of
the articles on sale.
Mrs. J. K. BARNEY, of Rhode Island.
one of the National Superintendents of
Departments of the WOman's Christian
Temperance Union, will speak in the
NJ. E. Church on Sunday next, both
morning and evening.
Now is the time to buv carpetings
before the assortment of new goods is
broken. At Depuy's, 80 North Second
street, Philadelphia, persons visiting
Philadelphia will find a large assOrt-
ment of the newest, prettiest and best
goods at moderate prices.
On Saturday last the store of John
Wanamaker was ten years old. Our
readers will find at the bottom of his
advertisement an extract from the
Ledger noting the various stages this
establishment has made in its onward
progress.
WIN. B. DUNwOODY of the large
Clothing House of J. T. Mullin & Son,
Wilmington, will be in this town on
Tuesday next, 22nd inst, with a full
line of samples of Spring goods. Per-
sons wanting suits made to order and
in the latest styles of the season, will
find Mr.. Dunwoody ready to accOmmO-
date them.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
An Old Landmark Gone.

Mitchell Johnson a lifelong resident
of JimtOwn Crossing near Clayton died
March 8th aged II years. The name
of " Jimtown" and Johnson are insep-
erably connected, for perhaps the in
diviclual is not living who remembers
when the principal house in it was not
occupied by Mitchell Johnson or his
father or grandfather. In this genera
ton JimtOwn" is known only as a
collection of two or three houses near
the gate entrance to the farm of A. l..
Hudson, but before the railroad came
down the Peninsula, in our more
provincial days when for thirty or forty
miles back in the country the corn,
wheat, bark, slaves, &c, came thither
to Smyrna Landing and thence to Phil
adelphia by shalloDs, Jimtown" was
to Smyrna in commercial sense what
Jersey City is to New York, "a place
of rest before and after the marketing.
1t was no uncommon sight to see from
one to two dozen wagons and carts
resting here in the woods on the oppo-
site side Of the road (Of which there is
no trace left) feeding and watering their
weary animals from well that had the
reputation Of never being exhausted,
the water being lifted by a bucket from
q long sweep, the teamsters perhaps
feeding ON aunt" Betty Johnsons gin
ger and honey cakes that had a reputa-
tion for excellency far and wide.
When the railroad came the glory OF
JimtOwn departed.
Mitchell Johnson sustained the repu-
tatiOu Of his family for orderly conduct
and good citizenship, and in addition,
of being good fifer. When quite a
young man, during the martial spirit
that was aroused by the war with
Mexico, he served on number of oc-
casions for our citizen soldiery and
especially for Capt. Peter Carrs com
pany Of this town.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16

THE DeIeCaredH in reply to our re-
ference to its silence latterly on the
Constitutional Reform question says it
does not feel it necessary to be contin-
ually blowing about the question and
makes the following gratifying an
nOuncement:
We are confident that the House
will pass 4 bill next week which will
have for its object the submission of the
question to the people. This bill is al
ready perfected and majority of the
members have expressed themselves
favorable to such bill. The people of
this State want chance to vote upon
this question, and we hope, that this
General Assembly will not adjourn un-
I'll bill is passed, giving them the
privilege they ask for. The members
Of the General Assembly are but ser
wants of the people, and should be will
ing to do their bidding in every respect,
where ii does not conflict with their
Oaths of office The people can always
be trusted, and in nine cases out of ten
they are right"
But we were quite as much surprised
at the mild tone of the reply as we
were pleased at the assurance given.
and had to look a second time to see if
we had hold of the right paper Things
are beginning to look more hopeful.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Peach Men to the Fore.

We understand that a convention of
peach growers is to be called in about
two weeks to meet at Dover. 1t will
be well for all peach men to assemble
from all parts of the Peninsula and
state their views fully upon the subjects
OF return Of baskets. of lower rates of
freight, and of earlier delivery of
peaches by rail into New York.
1t could not have been the fault of
our delegation that they did not pre-.
vail with the members of the Fruit Ex-
change at the meeting in New York.
No other delegation could have done
any better, because, in the language of
A. G. Cummins, the New York men
had killed the return basket, put it in
the coffin, screwed down the lid and set
the gift-basket on top with double
edged sword in his hand to hack down
every scab' who would dare to resur-
rect the corpse"
But Philadelphia has not acted vet
against our growers, and Boston post
poned definite action, at the request of
Rev. Mr.. Willis, until April.
Is it not the duty then of every
farmer interested in peaches to attend
the Dover convention and endeavoP to
secure a unanimous sentiment in favor
OF the return of baskets, and nut a
little dynamite under or hot shot into
the New York coffin.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
No "Emnties y No Peaches.

The above is the resolve Of the Fruit
land Grange of Wyoming, which repre-
sents a majority of the peach growers
of Wyoming, the largest fruit station
on the road. At their meeting on Sat
urday much indignation and determin-
alton to resist the arbitrary purposes
of the New York Commission Men
was expressed, ending with the adop-
tiOn of preamble and series of resolu-
tions ending as follows:
Resolved, That this action is unwar-
rantable, unjustifable, illegal, fraudu-
lent in its provisOs, and merits the un-
compromising condemnation of every
fruit grower.
Resolved, That we hereby withdraw
our cOnsignments from all commission
dealers in these cities, who refuse to re-
turn all empty packages promptly or
pay for them.
Resolved, That we will now more
than ever exert every effort to have
cash buyers come to our station and
deal direct wit growers.
Resolved, That committee of five
be appointed to consider the feasibility
of establishing sales rooms in New
York and Boston, under our own
supervision and management to receive
and sell all fruit that cannot be sold
here, and hat would be to our advan
tage to consign to these markets.
Resolved, That copies of this action
| be forwarded to the New York anC
Boston produce exchanges, and also of
fered to the press of the Peninsula fol
publication.
Resolved, That the cooperation 0
the fruit-growers of other stations br
requested in this matter.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Going TO MeXicn.

We have known for several weeks of
the selection of Rev. w. b. Gordon.
Rector Of st. Peters Church, this town,
for an important mission to Mexico as
superintendent of Missions, but in def
erence to his wish, refrained from anv
announcement until sanctioned and
authorized by the Committee of Mis-
siOns, which met in New York last
week. While approving of the wisdom
of Bishop Lee, the senior bishop, in
making the selection of Mr.. Gordon for
the responsible aud delicate duty as
signed him, aud the Board of Missions
for endorsing the same, we, in coniunc-
ton with the rest of our citizens regret
his departure from among us. To an
unusual extent for one in his position
he has been one of the people, mingling
and cooperating with them in various
ways, and will carry with him their
highest regards and best wishes. He
does not entirely sever his connection
with the church here, but is granted a
leave of absence to be gone for wear
when he will be at liberty to return to
the RectOry where he leaves his furni-
ture, books, &c, or remain in the mis-
sion field, as his health and conscien-
tions convictions as to duty may die
tate. 1t is not yet known who will fill
the duties Of rector during his absence,
but selection will be made in due time
santioqed by both the retiring rector
and the Vestry. Mr.. Gordon is making
his arrangements to start shortly after
Easter unless delayed by the illness of
Bishop Lee. He will be accompanied
by his wife, both of whom in the con-
sideratiOn of health will doubtless be
benefited by the proposed journey.
The congregations over which he is
sent to superintend are 80 in number,
located in what is called the Federal
District embracing the city of Mexico,
and the state of HidalgO. They are
former Catholic congregations who
have servered themselves from the
church of Rome since the supremacy Of
the Liberal over the Clerical party
of that country has made it possible,
and haYe asked the Episcopal Church
to give them aid and instruction in
christian worship. Five years ago
Bishop Riley was sent for this purpose,
but he proved impractical and unsuited
to his mission. Mr.. Gordon has dscre-
ton, tact and ability, and we shall
hardly look for sanction of the Mis-
siOnary Board at his departure from the
mission at the end Of year.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
KentOn.

On Thursday evening, Lewis F. Hill
yard and Miss Matte Wallace were
married at the NJ. F. Parsonage at
Smyrna, and, after their return, a re-
ceptiOn was given them at the brides
sister.
On the same evening, our Sunday
School held their Missionary Anniver-
sary, at which music and recitations
were given and also interesting ad-
dresses by R. NJ. Cooper and the pas
tor.
Last Saturday night showed that in
fair weather, the Lyceum will find the
Hall insufficient to accommodate all
who attend its meetings. The newly
elected President, d. S. Wilds, entered
upon his term of Office that evening.
The noted question, Resolved that the
death of Cesar was a benefit to Rome "
was decided affirmatively. Resolved
that city life is preferable to country
life" is the subject for the next discus
sion. We fear the speakers for the af-
tirmative will have to talk about some
thing concerning which they have had
little experience, for all are tanned sons
of the rough listed swain.
Last evening a party of young folks
met at the house of Miss Elva Riggs
for few hours of social enjoyment.
ALLER.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Town Affairs.

Our Town Commissioners have taken
the necessary steps, by application to
the Legislature and the Levy Court, to
secure the following important changes
in the laws relating to town affairs:
1st. To increase the annual appro-
priatiOu from the county for streets.
We have been getting only $4,000,
while Dover and Milford have had from
$2S0,00 to $4,000.
End. To get relieved of the County
Tax on our Town Hall. Smyrna is the
only town in the County that has paid
tax on its public property.
3rd. To give the Collector of Town
Taxes the same powers that are exer-
cised by the Collectors of School and
County taxes. This will save at least
$500 year to the town in the item
of poll taxes.
4th. 70 make the commissioners
hereafter elected for three years, the
Board next year to be elected two fol
one year, two for two years, and three
for three years, and all thereafter fol
three years. This will leave always in
the Board a working majority who are
thoroughly acquainted with the affairs
and the needs Ofthe town. Some have
suggested that the number be raised tC
nine, but seven are enough, and the ad.
dition of two more would only add tC
the expense and do no good
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Far The Smyrna Times.
Our Dover Letter,
THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION,

DOVER, DEL, March Is, 1887.
The members have been hard at it this
week in their own minds. A great
number of divorce and road bills have
been passed aud great many more in
trOduced and given notice of. Were
divorces and road bills settled in the
COurts-their proper place the ses-
siOns of the Legislature would not need
be over three weeks in length, so say
those who know, but are not members
1t is really disgrace to our State the
way divorces are granted. Many of
| them now granted would never have
been applied for had they to be settled
in the Courts, where sensible
reasons would have to be given and
the Witnesses testify in public. 1t is
said that the reason the lyegislgture
took it upon itselftO grant divorces was
because it would be too much work for
the Judges, and would prolOng the ses-
siOns of Court, thereby causing an extra
expense, but which would be nothing
in comparison TO that now borne TO
prOlOng the sessions of the Legislature.
Of all the diyOTces presented only one
will be refused, so i am informed on
good authority.
On Wednesday the bill appropriating
$1,000 to be used in the celebration of
the adoption of the Constitution, passed
the Senate. Delaware is never behind
ip matter of this kind. and it is to be
hoped that the Legislature will appro.
pirate funds enough to ep4ble ths
militia of the State to participate in the
National Encampment and Drill at
Washington in May, as it would be
beneficial for our we'll drilled com
panies to witness those rSaneuvres of
war practised by soldiers of more ex-
peTience than Themselves. Money ex-
pended on the militia is meyer wasted,
as other States have found out in times
of riots and labor troubles.
Mr.. Ware, IN the House, introduced
u bill Wednesday 10 prevent cruelty to
children and TO raise the age OF consent
from II to 20 years.
Mr.. Taylor, ON the same day, gave
notice OF a hill relating to division
fences, which, if passed would ice a
Sod-sepd to our inpecunious lawyers,
but it has very Eng ch9pres of being |
killed, and illall'prObibiHly Wilj. THIS |
same gentleman also g,tye 'noii.e df q |
bill in rclatiou' TO children uttcndins
school, prOtidipg d c0mpulsory system. |
In fact, not as strict as some Of the New |
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Waking Up The Coroner.

Our genial Coroner, Thos. H. Wright.
had the biggest set back on Wednesday
night of his life. He had been setting in
his arm chair for sometime and lust
enough drowsiness was stealing over him
tosuggest the more comfortable position
which the bed offered to aged and
weary limbs, when without ceremony.
wide opened the door and in thronged
the people, the whole company number
ing seventy persons. He was sufficiently
aroused by this time to know it was no
dream, but in his bewilderment he
called out, "what does this mean /:
give me my hat and let me out of here, y
and off he started for the back door
when he was caught, brought back to
the centre of the crowd who warmly
congratulated him on having reached
with his second wife their 25th, we'd
ding anniversary. The invaders
brought with them all the necessary
articles for a rich feast, and a number
of presents to leave as mementoes of
their " silver wedding" 1t is seldom
the coroner is caught unawares," but
he owns up that this occasion got
him."
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
For the Smyrna Times
A Word of Vindication.

In recent issue of your paper
noticed some very Uncomplimentary
remarks about Kenton, said to have
been made by our State Senator, as re-
ported in the EUery EUening 1t is
possible in this age of surprises that
the gentleman INDUCED in the remarks
as reported, but in the absence of proof
/ am inclined to give him the benefit of
a doubt. Would it not be very strange
to hear man counting ridcule on the
town where all hisinterests are located?
DIR. Cooper settled here more than
twenty years agO-a young man-and
began the practice eOfmedicine, in which
he has achieved an enViable success.
Here he first met the lady who became
his wife ; here his bright and promising
children were born, and it is upon the
"Wilds" " farm, inherited by his wife,
that good portion of Kenton is built.
Does it seem probable that he would
traduce the place? Speaking of its
slow growth, there has hardly been a
time during the last five years when
there were less than six buildings in
course of construction, and I under
stand that the Senator intends spend
ing several thousand dollars in enlarg-
ing and beautifying his residence this
Spring, while Thomas f. Bailey will
enlarge and improve the old bailey -
house on the opposite corner, which is
now in his possession. / Ibelieve, many
years ago, before the present genera
ton came upon the stage, this place
was dubbed GrOgtOwn," but at pres
ent more respectable town does not
exist. We have hotel, with its usual
adjunct-a bar-but better conducted
village hotel cannot be found. A.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
The Peach Basket Question.

The question of the peach basket
and whether il shall be sold with the
fruit, is the absorbing one with the fruit
growers throughout the Peninsula at
this time. The growers who went from
this State to New York last week found
everything cut and dried against
them, with the minds of the commits
sion and grOcerymen fully determined or
not returning the baskets, and persuad-
ed that if they talked q week even with
greater and more plausible reasons
than were given in the five hours inter
view, the New Workers could not be
changed from their purpose, they felt
it was no use to waste money, time and
breath to go on to Boston, believing
them to be "tarred with the same
stick" so they all returned home ex-
cept Rev. J. S. Willis who went on and
stated the position of the growers, and
either from the impressions he made or
as bit of courtesy to "let them down
easy" postponed the subject until April.
There has been no movement of the
kind that we have heard of by the
dealers of Philadelphia.
E. r. Cochran in speaking of the
meeting said, I'VE threatened the COM
mission men in New York with large
peach market in New York city to be
run by ourselves. | am ready, and
have been for years, to give bond not
to send a peach to q commission man.
If all the farmers would do this we
could compel the dealers to come to
us and buy outright, which is what
ought to be done. IL is, however, very
hard to get all the farmers to combine
for their own good. | hope, however,
that this may be done"
The power back of the Commission
Men seems to be the GrOcers AssOGia-
ton, who number nearly a thousand
men, all determined to force the sale of
the baskets with the fruit Returning
the empties they say gives them double
work while the best they can do, they
sustain losses from one TO several hun
dred dollars each. hut the growers
take all the other risks-stOrms, fgOsts.
blight, transportation, and worst of all
glutted markets, and it is as little as
the sellers who are always on the safe
side can do, to take the risk of the
baskets.
The is no Disgusting the fact that this
turn in the peach trade has had Q de-
pressing effect upon the fruit growers.
They do not know what the outcome
is 10 be. The Grst thing staring them
in the face is the basket supply. They
have either got to supply themselves
with something like the required guam
tity to market the crop of their entire
orchard before they are assured there
will be peach to pick with the posi-
BiAity Of holding them with the same
Uncertainty for several seasons, or just
when they need baskets the most may
not be able to get them without paying
mope than would be realiz ID for the
fruit beyond the cost of shipment.
With all the other unsettled values
which are plagping the faFmer, befe
comes this unexpected one set on foot
by the peach dealers of New York.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16

The decision of the Court of Errors
and Appeals last week that the p. w.
" b. railroad was exempt from County
and Municipal taxes, and that those
that had been levied on it were illegal.
stirs up the tax gatherers of New Cas-
tie county, as it leaves a big deficiency
to supply. The question came up on
an appeal from the Chancellor's decis-
sion, the Court with the exception OF
Judge COmegys sustaining him in his
view that by the Communication act OF
1873 the road was not liable for county
and town taxes. The decision sweeps
S6, lO3 of taxes due the county. and
$1,000 due the city of Wilmington
With collections everywhere in arrears,
the question is. where will the de-
ficiency come from? During the con-
trOversy in 1878 President Hinckley
proposed to pay $4,000 year to the
State in lieu of all other taxes, aud this
sum it is presumed will still be paid
the State without further protest. No
exceptions can be taken to the decision,
and it will be the duty of the Legisla-
ture to remodel its system Of taxing
railroads.
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16

The death of Henry Ward Beecher
from his great eminence as "A publicist.
orator and preacher becomes a notable
event, and teaches lesson as the fol-
lowing from the Ocean GroUe Record
under the head of "A Christian Fun
eral" will indicate:
q" No Grape on the door. when the
great heart ceased to beatl No shroud
ed dwelling with unnatural restraint.
and eheerless gloom Windows omen
to the sunlight, and wreaths of flowers
on the door! His church. too. where a
gospel of Immortality has been preach
ed for 40 years, follows his genial faith
and there IS no sable draperv, nor
dead march from Saul ,: but the rar-
nlture of Easter flowers. and the
brlghtne-- almost Of Il marriage morn
ing Tears there were, and they fell
Ike rain; but brave wife in her widow
hood and children beTeayed are true TO
a husband and fathers wish. avoiding
the cast-iTOn customs of society wear
ing mourning! All this is consonant
With our notions of propiety and
we quote no word or deed OF the
NestOr Of the American pulpit, now
that his ministry has ceased among
men, with more graduation, than this
well-intended rebuke to the absurb
bondage-the almost heathenish sub
servience to fashionable mourning
Like some other customs happily grow
ing obsolete, we think the notable ex-
ample set in this instance will do as
much for common sense, and the spirit
and genius of Christianity, as anything
Henry Ward Beeeher has said or done
OF recent years. Peace to his memory %
Smyrna times., 1887-03-16
Closing His Ministry.

Rev. j. b. Quigg, who has filed the
pulpit of the NJ. T.. Church of this town
for the past three years, closed his
labOTs on Sunday last as preacher.
greeted by large congregations. He
took istext from Fau's Second Epistle
to Timothy, 2l chapter, lst Verse :
Thou Timothy, my son, be strong in
the grace that is in Christ Jesus" II
was discourse compact in Thought.
strong and fOrCible in its construction
OF language, earnest in its ministerial
and CHRISTIAN enforcement and mOdu-
lated to the utmost prudence in kindly
words of parting and ia melting to
stronger religious endeavor. The audi
ence listened with evident interest and
feelings of devotion running in har-
mOny with those of the preacher. The
DISCOURSE, as may be implied by the
text, was plea for greater devotion
to the cause they had espOgsed, a grow
ing and strengthening ip the gFace Of
Christ, TO be strong as Paul and Tim.
Othy were strong in meeting the most
hostile foes that beset the Christians
life. The discourse, while directed
more largely to the younger members
of the church, closed with admonitory
but encouraging words to those who
were nearing the end Of the race. Pre-
siding Elder France was present and
assisted in the opening exercises.
At the close of the sermon Mr.. Quigg
gave the statistical figures Ofthe church
during his connection with it as pastor,
which showed that the apparent num-
ber Of members March 10th, 1884 was
545, but of these II were either dead
removed Or not on the record, making
the actual number 52S. During the
three years 90 pefsons had removed nv
certificate, 40 had joined by certificate
25 me9bers had died, % receivsd On
probation from the previous wears
footing up 5lQ; TO which il The 1850 pr0,
batiopers ofthe late revival are bddaa
will make total Of Go. Rev. Mr
Ouigg takes with bim H. Confsre1ce
$3.50 90 Missionary money. 5000 G0 iron,
tbe congregation aud $3.50 90 from tha
sunday school, and all the other col.
lections up to the apportionment.